Funding from our Wales and Africa grants scheme has supported Size of Wales to empower women while tackling climate change.
Size of Wales is a charity dedicated to tackling climate change by supporting reforestation and sustainable livelihoods in tropical regions. Through partnerships with local organisations, they empower communities to restore forests, promote environmental education, and drive positive social change.
With funding from the Welsh Government’s Wales and Africa grant scheme, Size of Wales is working in partnership with Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise (METGE) to teach women in Uganda about farming, agroforestry and sustainable income opportunities. The project is empowering women to strengthen their decision-making and leadership roles in local development and climate change resilience.
ADVANCING GENDER EQUALITY FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE
As part of the initiative, 214 community members – both women and men – attended a five-day training course about gender roles in tree planting. The interactive sessions focused on gender-based violence, women’s rights, economic empowerment and leadership skills. Following the training, 30 gender champions were selected for further mentoring to drive change in their communities.
Participants found the training incredibly enlightening and beneficial. ‘This training has been an eye-opener for many of us,’ said a community member. ‘We have learned so much about our rights and how we can work together to support each other and our communities. It has given us the confidence to stand up for our rights and pursue opportunities that were previously out of reach.’
IRENE’S STORY
Irene is a teacher and farmer who lives in Lukuma village, Uganda, with her husband and five children. Her life has changed drastically since becoming a gender champion. Previously, she relied on her husband for financial support, but after attending training on gender equality and leadership, Irene realised her potential.
‘Thanks to the training sessions, I’ve learnt that I can do things for myself,’ Irene says. Now, she pays for her children’s school fees and contributes to the household through farming, gaining confidence as a provider and decision-maker.
CREATING CHANGE IN THE COMMUNITY
Irene’s impact goes beyond her own life. By sharing what she’s learned, she’s encouraged positive changes in her community, helping couples strengthen relationships and resolve conflicts.
She also serves as the secretary of her Village Savings and Loans Association, enabling women to access funds for emergencies, school fees, and investments. Irene’s journey highlights how gender equality and climate resilience go hand in hand, creating stronger, self-sufficient communities.
CELEBRATING WOMEN AND CLIMATE ACTION
This week Size of Wales will welcome Deborah Nabulobi, a gender champion from Uganda, to celebrate the milestone of distributing 25 million trees to local farmers in Mbale. A leader in women’s rights and community tree planting, Deborah will take part in a peer-to-peer learning event for gender champions and various activities across Wales, accompanied by Hellen Alupo from METGE.
During their visit between 6-14 March 2025 they will meet school pupils, speak at Hub Cymru Africa’s International Women in Global Solidarity event, meet with Members of the Senedd, and help launch a song about climate change composed by upcoming Welsh artists.
FIND OUT MORE
You can find out more about the project on Size of Wales’ website. To find out more about our Wales and Africa grant scheme please visit the scheme page.